The Tucson Jewish Free Loan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering interest-free financial assistance to the Tucson community since 1947. We are a Qualifying Charitable Organization in the state of Arizona, and we are a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans.

All faiths are welcome! Life can be challenging for all of us no matter our background, education, or social status. Hard times often hit with no warning at all. Our goal is to help people help themselves. We want borrowers to feel that they have a partner that believes in them and is their champion.

Whether financial assistance is needed to pay medical bills, rent and utilities, school tuition or other life events, The Tucson Jewish Free Loan can help. We lend a hand to those in need, not a handout. Loan applicants are treated confidentially with loving kindness. Those who meet our established criteria have an opportunity to receive interest-free financial assistance while maintaining their self-respect and dignity.

As borrowers repay their loans, funds are recycled and made available for new loans.

TZEDEK, TZEDAKAH, TIKKUN OLAM

We honor Jewish ideals. We are dedicated to the Jewish values that inspired our founding in 1947: A commitment to Tzedek (Justice); to Tzedakah (Righteousness /Charity); and to Tikkun Olam (the goal of Repairing the World).

MISSION

Tucson Jewish Free Loan provides interest-free loans to help Southern Arizonans achieve economic self-sufficiency with dignity.

VISION

Tucson Jewish Free Loan seeks to create a more equitable Southern Arizona where everyone has equal access to capital and all residents can participate in the growth and prosperity of their communities.

HUMAN DIGNITY

We respect the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. We seek to provide a helping hand to those in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender expression, past incarceration, or immigrant status. We strive to treat every individual with compassion and empathy for their unique situation. We advocate policies that ensure fairness and equity for all.

RELATIONSHIPS

We embrace and cultivate relationships – with borrowers, partner organizations, and donors. Developing relationships is key to how we work with borrowers, who are often referred to us by partner agencies in their communities. We strive to understand each potential borrower’s needs and, if the borrower is eligible, to structure a loan that meets those needs.

When appropriate, our board and staff provide assistance or advice, and we often refer potential borrowers to other resources.
Finally, we value our relationships with donors, both individual and institutional, who financially support our work, provide connections to other resources as well as additional insights into the community, and serve as advocates for our mission.

COMMUNITY

We believe in building an inclusive and accessible community where all residents feel they belong. We are committed to creating an environment of belonging (rather than just welcoming) by prioritizing diversity within organizational policy, programming, recruitment, marketing, board development, and community engagement.

CREATIVITY

We strive to be creative in response to change. We aim to be agile and strategic in the face of evolving circumstances in our community and in the lives of our borrowers.